An MDS 3.0 Distressed Behavior in Dementia Indicator (DBDI): A Clinical Tool to Capture Change.

Background/objectives: Persons with dementia frequently demonstrate distress behaviors in dementia (DBD), associated with poorer outcomes. This study aimed to create a measure of DBD from routinely administered Minimum Data Set (MDS 3.0) behavior section items that demonstrated sensitivity to change, for evaluation of intervention efforts for VA Community Living Center (CLCs) residents exhibiting DBD.

Electronic Medical Record Documentation of Driving Safety for Veterans with Diagnosed Dementia.

Objectives: Many older adults continue to drive following dementia diagnosis, with medical providers increasingly likely to be involved in addressing such safety concerns. This study examined electronic medical record (EMR) documentation of driving safety for veterans with dementia (N = 118) seen in Veterans Affairs primary care and interdisciplinary geriatrics clinics in one geographic region over a 10-year period.

Methods: Qualitative directed content analysis of retrospective EMR data.

Predictors of Mental Health Care Utilization in Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Hazardous Drinking.

Objectives: Describe outpatient mental health service use in a sample of recent combat Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and hazardous alcohol use and investigate predictors of mental health care utilization.

Methods: In this prospective study, 126 Veterans with full or subthreshold PTSD and hazardous alcohol use completed a baseline assessment and reported mental health service use through a 12-month follow-up period. Logistic regressions were used to identify factors predicting mental health care utilization.